The key facts

  • The G7 and the EU High Representative expressed concern over China's actions to the east of Taiwan and supported Taiwan's participation in international organizations
  • China's Foreign Ministry called the statement interference in internal affairs and a product of a 'Cold War mentality'
  • North Korea rejected the call for denuclearization, calling it 'an unrealistic act based on double standards'

Beijing's reaction to the G7 statement

On Thursday, China accused the Group of Seven of clinging to a 'Cold War mentality' and interfering in internal affairs after the bloc expressed concern over Beijing's actions around Taiwan. This was reported by the Anadolu agency citing a press briefing at China's Foreign Ministry.

What the G7 said and how the parties responded

Following talks in Paris, the G7 foreign ministers and the EU High Representative expressed concern over China's increasingly active actions to the east of Taiwan, warning of risks to regional stability and freedom of navigation. They reaffirmed their opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo by force or coercion and supported Taiwan's 'meaningful participation' in international organizations.

Beijing's and Taipei's positions

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the statement 'ignores objective facts' and fails to take into account China's contribution to world peace and stability. According to her, the G7 'grossly' interfered in China's internal affairs and 'maliciously smeared' Beijing, while the bloc itself is an ideological clique engaged in bloc politics. She called on the G7 to mind its own responsibilities rather than interfere in China's affairs.

Reactions from Taipei and North Korea

Taiwan welcomed the statement: spokesperson Karen Kuo thanked the G7 and the EU for their support and said the island would strengthen its defense capabilities and cooperate with international partners to ensure regional stability. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory, while Taipei has maintained independence since 1949.

North Korea on denuclearization

Separately, North Korea criticized the G7 over its criticism of Pyongyang's support for Russia and its 'illegal nuclear and missile programs.' In a statement by North Korea's foreign ministry, carried by the state agency KCNA, the bloc is said to have no right to comment on anyone else's nuclear issue, since it includes the United States and the United Kingdom, which 'pose a serious nuclear threat' through the illegal proliferation of military nuclear technologies, as well as Japan — 'a defeated country seeking to arm itself with nuclear weapons.' North Korea called the call for denuclearization 'an unrealistic act based on double standards,' which only underscores the G7's status as an 'alienated political minority that has lost the value of its existence.'